Education
The Gitite Grassroots Football Programme was born from a memory that never faded. A memory of barefoot football on dusty village roads. A ball made from tightly packed waste papers. A childhood full of joy, even when resources were scarce.
For the founder, football was more than a game — it was belonging, escape, and hope. Years later, watching his own children play football in the UK — with real boots, real kits, real pitches — he felt a familiar tug. The contrast was impossible to ignore.
And a quiet question began to form:
What if children and young people in Gitite could experience the same dignity, pride, and opportunity?
That question became the heartbeat of this programme.
The journey started with a simple idea: to give children and youth in Gitite the chance to play real football — with proper boots, proper kits, and a sense of belonging.
The founder reached out to KitAid, sharing his story of barefoot football and the dream of building something meaningful back home. KitAid believed in the vision and generously donated football kits.
In early 2025, these kits were distributed to four primary schools in North Kinangop:
Gitite Comprehensive School
Aberdares Primary School
Grace Primary School
Kinja Comprehensive School
The joy on the children’s faces said everything. For many, it was the first time they had ever worn a real football jersey. It was a moment of pride — a reminder that even small acts of kindness can reshape a child’s world.
This moment confirmed what the founder already knew: football has the power to change lives.
Football in Gitite is more than sport. It is:
A safe outlet for energy and talent
A source of discipline, teamwork, and confidence
A bridge away from negative influences
A lifeline for young adults facing unemployment, mental health struggles, gambling, and alcoholism
A way to build belonging, mentorship, and hope
As the founder wrote: “Young adults football is not just for social purposes but an important avenue to engage youth who are struggling. Even if we save one, it will be worth it.”
This programme exists to give young people a chance — not to find the next superstar, but to build stronger, healthier, more connected lives
Distributed football kits to four primary schools
Collected additional kits now awaiting shipment
Launched the first phase of the grassroots programme
Engaged youth and young adults in regular football and volleyball activities
Built a network of volunteers in both the UK and Kenya
Planned a football camp during the next visit to Kenya
Strengthened community pride and participation
The biggest remaining challenge is football boots — the one item most children and young adults still do not have.
The Gitite Grassroots Football Programme aims to:
Equip children and youth with proper football boots, kits, and equipment
Establish structured training sessions and community tournaments
Provide mentorship and positive role models
Create safe spaces for young people to gather, learn, and grow
Build a sustainable sports culture in the village
Expand support to young adults who are no longer in school but still need community and purpose
This is not just about football. It is about dignity. It is about belonging. It is about giving young people a reason to hope.
Football boots (all sizes — new or good‑quality used)
Footballs
Jerseys and shorts
Socks
Shin pads
Training bibs
Cones and markers
Portable goals
Every pair of boots, every ball, every jersey makes a real difference
Sponsorship for youth and adult teams
Support for shipping donated equipment
Partnerships with clubs, schools, or charities
Volunteers for football camps and training sessions
